Primula vialii or the Chinese Pagoda Primrose is a hardy, herbaceous perennial plant that grows hairy, oblong-lanceolate, mid green leaves in a rosette formation.
In springtime it produces erect stems with a terminal conical spike of pale violet flowers 1cm in width which open from the bottom up from red buds.
The end result is a two tone flower head for most of the time.
These really are very striking flowers and make an excellent contrast or highlight plant in amongst mixed borders and rockeries.
They do however need a cool and moist climate in order to thrive.